Refrigeration



W. T. HEDLUND REFRIGERATION Nov. 18, 1941.

2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed March 9, 1938 INYENTOR.

W. T. HEDLUND Nbv. 18,1941.

REFRIGERATION 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed March 9, 1958 INVENTOR.

, means such as gas burner ll.

Patented Nov. 18, 1941 REFRIGERATION William T. lledlund, New Rochelle, N. 1.. assignor to Servel, Inc., New-York, N. 2., a corporation of Delaware Application March 9, 1938, Serial No. 194.731 19 Claims. (01. 62-129) My invention relates to liquiddistribution. for

instance, in refrigeration apparatus, and it is an object of the invention to provide improved liqin the system of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a view like Fig.

2 illustrating a modification. Fig. 4 shows another refrigeration system more or-less diagrammatically. Fig. 5 is an enlarged sectional view showing details of the invention embodied in the system of Fig. 4.

'The refrigeration system shown in Fig. 1 is generally like that described in application Serial No. 107,852 of A. R. Thomas, flied October 27, 1936, now Patent No. 2,202,838 granted July 16, 1940. Briefly, this system comprises an analyzer boiler or generator i heated by suitable An absorber I2 is interconnected with the generator ill for circulation of absorption liquid therethrough and therebetween by members including a'liquid heat exchanger I3. Circulationof liquid in this circuit is caused by vapor-lift action in a conduit [4 hfiing a lower coiled portion l5 heated by the burner ll. Liquid is raised through conduit l4 from the lower part of generator Ill into a circulation vessel 16 from which the liduid overflows through a conduit H, the liquid heat exchanger l3, and a'conduit l6 into the upper part of the absorber i2.

The. absorber i2 is interconnected with an evaporator through and therebetween by members including a gas heat exchanger 20. Vaporous refrigerantfluid expelled from solution in the generator Ill flows through a conduit 2!. a flrst rectifler 22, and a second rectifier 23 to a condenser 24. The refrigerant fluid is liquefled by condensation in the condenser 24. The liquid flows from condenser 24 through a conduit 25, a liquid trap 26 forming part of rectifler 23. a conduit 21, a liquid precooler 26, and a conduit 23 into the upper part of evaporator It. The precooler 28 is connected with the gas heat exchanger by conduits 33 and II for circulation of gas from the heat exchanger through the precooler.

The liquid flows downward in evaporator l6 over a coil 32 and evaporates'and diffuses into.

inert gas which circulates through and between the evaporator and absorber. In the absorber located-directly above the upper turn of the ab- I 9 for circulation of; gas there-' i2, absorption liquid which enters the upper part of the absorber through conduit l8 flows downward over a coil 33 and absorbs refrigerant vapor out of the inert gas. Circulation of the gas is caused by the greater specific weight of gas containing more of a heavier refrigerant vapor in the path or flow from the evaporator to the absorber as compared to the specific weight of weak gas 'flowing from the absorber toward the evaporator.

Fluid circulated, as by a pump 34, from a coil 35 to the evaporator coil 32 transfers heat from a refrigerator compartment 36, where coil 35 is located, to the evaporator IS. The absorber f2, condenser 24, and rectifier 22 are cooled by water which flows through a conduit 31, absorber coil 33, a conduit 38. the condenser 24, a conduit 39, rectifier 22, and a conduit 40.

Absorption liquid which enters the upper part of absorber l2 through conduit It should be distributed evenly as it is deposited on the upper turn of coil 33. This is in order that the upper part of coil 33 may be more effective in providing gas and liquid contact surface. I provide a novel device M which receives liquid from the upper end of conduit I3 and distributes the liquid over the upper end of absorber coil 33.

The device H is shown in detail in Fig. 2. The absorber coil 33 is located in an annular space 42 between an outer shell 43 and an inner shell 44. There is an opening, not shown, which affords communication between the lower part of the inner shell 44 and the lower part ofthe absorber. The upper end of shell 44 is connected by a conduit 45 to the upper part of the liquid trap 26 (see Fig. 1). Conduit 45 is known as a vent conduit and the inner shell 44 provides what is known as an accumulation vessel for inert gas. also referred to as a pressure vessel. 0n the upper end of shell 44 is, secured a. circular tray 46 with an outward depending rim 41. In the tray'46 is an annular float 48 loosely surrounding conduit 45 having aflange or rim 46 which curves out ard around the rim 4! of tray 46 and downwar beneath the rim 41. The lower edge of flange 43 beneath rim 4'! is turned upward to form an annular trough 50. The annular trough 50 is located beneath the rim 41 of tray 46 and is carried by the float 48 which is within the tray 46.

To assemble tray 46 and float 46, the tray 46 may be made in sections which are joined after the rm? 4'! is inserted within the encircling flange 43. The bottom edge of the trough is sorber coil 33. The annular float 48 is located around vent conduit 45 and this conduit extends through the bottom of tray 45 to the upper end of shell 44. The upper end of conduit I9 is open and located just above float 48.

During operation of the refrigeration system, weak absorption liquid issues from conduit I8 and descends through the opening in the center of annular float 48 into tray 45. floats upon the liquid in tray 46. Weak absorption liquid overflows the rim 41 of tray 46 and descends into trough 50 suspended from the float 48. The liquid overflows the inner edge of annular trough 50 and drips from the underside of trough 50 onto the upper turn of absorber coil 33. The surface level of liquid in tray 46 is a1 ways level due to force of gravity. For this reason float 48 is always level. If the absorber I2 is tilted, as when the entire unit is placed a little oil the vertical, or if shifting should take place after installation so that tray 45 is not level, yet the surface level of liquid in tray 46 will be level and the float 48 will remain level so that overflow of liquid from trough will remain substantially evenly distributed around its periphery. When tray 45 is tilted, overflow of liquid from this tray will be localized toward the low side, but the overflow liquid enters the level trough 50 and is distributed around this trough for even distribution of overflow therefrom onto the upper turn of coil 33.

Fig. 3 is a side view like Fig. 2 illustrating a modification in which overflow takes place from a dished float. A circular tray 5| having a downturned rim 52 is located on the upper end of the inner absorber shell 44. In the tray 5| is an annular float 53 having a rim or flange 54 which extends outward and downward around rim 52 of tray 5| and forms an annular trough 55 beneath rim 52 and directly above the upper turn of absorber coil 33. A cylinder 55 forms an upstanding ledge around the center opening of the annular float 53. The ledge 55 extends upward above the upper edge of flange 54. A pin 51 may be provided in the center of tray 5|. Pin 51 extends very loosely upward into the center opening of float 53 to roughly center the float in tray 5|.

In this modification, the vent conduit 45 shown in Figs. 1 and 2 is not connected to the upper end of shell 44 but may be connected to the side of vessel 44 or some other part of the absorberevaporator gas circuit.

Weak absorption liquid enters the absorber I? through a conduit 58 which corresponds to conduit l8 in Figs. 1 and 2. The open end of conduit 58 is turned downward directly above the center opening in float 53. 59 is located with its apex directly beneath the open end of conduit 58 and forms a shield over the center opening of float 53. In the apex of shields 59 is a small opening 60 having a lower ledge 6|.

During operation, weak absorption liquid emerges from conduit 58 and descends upon the A conical baflie plate conical baille 59. Most of the liquid is directed by baffle 59 onto the float- 53 where it accumulates in the dished portion formed by the ledge 56 and rim 54. Some liquid. passes through opening 50 and drops from ledge 9| through the center opening of float 53 into tray 5|. The float 53 is buoyed upon liquid in tray 5|. Liquid in the float 53 overflows rim 54 and drips from the bottom of trough 55 onto the upper turn of absorber coil 33. Any liquid which overflows rim 52 of tray 5| will be received in trough 55 and overflow the inner edge of trough 55 and drip upon the coil 33. Since the surface of liquid in tray 5| remains level, float 53 remains level even though the absorber and tray 5| is tilted, whereby overflow from float 53 and dripping of liquid from the bottom of trough 55 is substantially evenly distributed around the circumference. Y

' This liquid distributor may also be used to distribute liquid in the evaporator l9 from conduit 29 from the upper turn of coil 32. If overflow from this compensated device is desired at certain points, notches or similar weirs could be made in the inner edge of troughs 50 or 55 at the desired points.

The refrigeration system shown in Fig. 4 utilizes an embodiment of the invention for distributing liquid to a plurality of absorbers. A generator 62 is connected by way of a liquid heat exchanger 63 with two absorbers 54 and 55 for circulation of absorption liquid therethrough and therebetween, the liquid flowing in parallel through the absorbers. An evaporator 96,

located for instance in a refrigerator storage compartment 61, is connected by way of a gas heat exchanger 88 with the absorbers 64 and 65 for circulation of gas therethrough and therebetween, the gas flowing in parallel through the absorbers.

The generator 62 is'connected by a conduit 59 to a condenser I9 for flow of refrigerant vapor from thegenerator to the condenser. Liquefied refrigerant flows from the condenser I0 through a conduit II to the upper part of the evaporator 56. A pressure vessel 12 is connected between the liquid outlet end of the condenser I9 and the gas circuit.

The absorbers 64 and 65 are shown as flnned pipe coils Joined together at their upper ends and having their lower ends connected to a common absorber vessel or sump 13. Rich liquor in the absorber vessel 13 flows through conduit I4, liquid heat exchanger 63 and conduit 15 to chamber 16 of the generator 62. Liquid is raised by vapor lift action from chamber 16 through a vapor lift conduit or thermosyphon 11 into the upper part of a generator standpipe I8. The lower end of standpipe 18 is connected to generator chamber/I9. Weakened absorption liquid flows from chamber 19 through a conduit 90, liquid heat exchanger 59, and a conduit 9| to a distributor 82. Liquid flows from the distributor 82 through conduits 83 and 84 to the upper ends of absorbers 54 and 65 respectively.

The distributor 82 is shown in detail in Fig. 5. The distributor comprises an outer casing 85 provided with two cups or sumps 85 and 81. The liquid lines 83 "and 84 are connected to the bottom of cups 86 and 81 respectively. Within the casing 85 is a'tray or pan 88 having a downturned rim 89. In the tray 88 is a float 90. Beneath the rim 99 is an annular trough9l. trough 9| is suspended from the float 90"by arms 92. The trough9| is provided with two diametrically opposite weirs 93 and 94 whichv are located directly above the cups 86 and 81 respectively. Conduit 9| is connected by a sleeve 95 to the bottom of tray 88. The upper end of sleeve 95 is somewhat flattened. A flat pin 95 on the bottom oifloat 90 projects loosely .into the upper end of sleeve 95. The pin 95 does not obstruct flow of liquid through sleeve 95 but prevents turning of the-float and keeps the weirs. I

The

7. A method of liquid distribution which includes holding a first body of liquid at rest,

separately maintaining a second body of liquid, floating said second bodyof liquid on said first body, supplying liquid to said second body from said flrst body,,and distributing liquid from said second body at a plurality of Points.

-8. A method of liquid distribution which includes holding a first body of liquid at rest,

The surface level of liquid in tray 88 remains horizontal even through the refrigeration apparatus should be installed on a slant or become uneven due to settling after installation. Therefore the float 90 and the troughtl suspended therefrom remains horizontal so that liquid evenly overflows the weirs 93 and 94 and even distribution of liquid to the absorbers 64 and 65 is not interfered with by uneven installation of the refrigeration apparatus.

Various changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the invention which is not limited except as indicated in the following claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A method of liquid distribution which includes holding a'body of liquid at rest, separately maintaining 'a second body of liquid, floating said second body of liquid on said first body, and flowing liquid from said second body at aplurality of points to effect distribution of the liquid.

2. A method of liquid distribution for use in producing refrigeration which includes conducting liquid to a distributor, flowing said liquid from said distributor into the presence of inert gas,

:Zid maintaining said distributor level by flotaon on'abody of liquid.

3. In a refrigeration system making use of evaporation of liquid in the presence of inert gas and absorption of vapor out of the gas )3; liquid absorbent, a device for distributing iquid into the presence of the gas, and means 0 hold a body of liquid with such liquid body laving a free surface on which said device floats o it will assume and maintain a certain posi- ;ion relative to the plane of said surface.

4. Gas and liquid contact apparatus for a refrigeration system comprising a casing, an inlet connection for liquid to the upper part of said casing, an inlet connection for gas, a cylindrical pipe coil providing a liquid spreading surface within said casing, a tray in the upper part of said casing having an outward depending rim and arranged to receive liquid from said first inlet connection, an annular float in said tray, and an annular trough suspended from said float between said rim and the upper end of said coil for distribution of overflow liquid by dripping from the underside of the trough onto the upper turn 'of said coil.

5. In a refrigeration system, a liquid distributor, means for maintaining a body of liquid with the liquid body having a free surface, said distributor being freely floated thereon so it will assume and maintain 'acertain position relative to the plane of said surface,- andsaid distributor being formed and arranged so that liquid can flow therefrom at a plurality of points to effect,

distribution of liquid.

6. A method of liquid distribution which includes holding a flrstbody .of liquid at rest,

' separately maintaining a second body of liquid,

floating said second body of liquidon said first body, and' overflowing liquid from said second body'to effect distribution of such liquid.

separately maintaining a seco d body of liquid.

absorbent, floating said second body of liquid absorbent on said first body, and distributing liquid absorbent from said second body into the presence of refrigerant vapor for absorption of such vapor.

10. A method of liquid distribution which includes holding a flrst body of liquid absorbent at rest, supplying liquid absorbent to said first body, separately maintaining a second body of liquid absorbent, floating said second body, on said flrst body, overflowing liquid from said first body to said second body, and overflowing liquid from said second body to effect distribution of such liquid into the presence of refrigerant vaporfer absorption of such vapor.

11. A method of liquid distribution which includesiholding a first body of liquid at rest,

separatelymaintaining a second body of liquid,

floating said second body of liquid on saidflrst body, and distributing liquid from said. second body i to the presence of inert gas for evapora-.

tion and diffusion into the gas.

12. A method of liquid distribution which includes holding a first body of liquid at rest,'

13. In a refrigeration system, a liquid distrib utor, means for holding a body of liquid with such liquid body having a free surface, said distributor being capable of floating on the body of liquid in such a manner that it will assume and maintain a certain position relative to the plane of said surface during liquid distribution, and said distributor being formed and arranged to receive liquid from said liquid holding means.

14. In a refrigeration system, a liquid distrib-- utor, means for holding a body of liquid with such liquid body having a free surface) said distributor being capable of floating on the body of liquid in such a manner that it will assume andmaintain a certain position relative to the plane of said surface during liquid distribution, and said distributor being formed and arranged to receive liquid overflowing from said liquid holding means.

15. In a refrigeration system, a liquid distributorfa circular tray for holding a body of liquid with such liquid body having a free surface, said distributor being disposed in said tray and capable of floating freely on the body of liquid therein, and said distributor having an annular trough arranged to receive liquid overflowing the rim of said tray.

16. In a refrigeration system,a liquid distributor, a circular tray for holding a body of liquid with such liquid body having a free surface, said distributor comprising a dished float capable of floatingireely on the body of liquid in said tray and having a rim extending over the edge of said tray.

17. Gas and liquid contact apparatus for a refrigeration system comprising a casing, an inlet connection for introducing liquid into the top part of said casing, an inlet connection for introducing gas to said casing; a pipe coil having a plurality of turns to provide-a liquid spreading surface within said casing, a tray disposed in the top part of said casing, said tray having an outward depending rim and arranged to receive liquid from said liquid inlet connection, an annular dished float in said tray arranged to receive most of the liquid from said liquid inlet connection, said float having a peripheral edge portion, an annular trough suspended by said peripheral edge portion so that liquid will overflow from said float and pass over such peripheral edge portion'to the bottom of said trough, said trough being disposed between said rim and the top of said coil for distribution of overflow liquid by dripping from the bottom oi! said trough onto the top turn of said coil.

18. A method of liquid distribution which includes holding a first body of liquid at rest, separately maintaining a second body oi liquid, floating said second body of liquid on said first body in such a manner that during liquid distribution said second body, will always assume a certain position relative to the plane of the liquid surface of said first body, and distributing liquid from said second body.

19. In a refrigeration system, a liquid distributor, means for holding a body of liquid with such liquid body having a free surface, and said distributor and liquid holding means being so constructed and arranged that during liquid distribution said distributor will float on the body of liquid in said liquid holding means and always assume a certain position relative to the plane of said surface.

WILLIAM T. HEDLUND. 

